Sophia dressed to kill is prepared for destiny. But Trouble
is in the air. She has been warned, this wasn’t a good place to come. But since
when has she ever listened?
As you probably know by now I’m not a big Fan of the
Social media. BUT what excites me about Twitter is the fact that I get to know other dedicated and hardworking Independent Authors, that I probably wouldn’t ever meet in person or read their
book, if it wasn’t for the WWW. Simply because we live on different continents
and time zones. I love to read their book, because we "Indie-Authors" should support each other.
So I was very honored to be asked by the talented Author Bibiana Krall to review her
Fiction book Escape into the Blue. And even though I’m not a fan of Fiction
I said immediately yes, because of my sympathy for the Author and the title of
her book.
I do like to escape from the daily life from time to
time myself. But until now I always preferred to read Non-Fiction. True stories
that inspire, educate or encourage me. So for me reading Escape into the Blue was
a completely new and challenging experience. But I must say I’m very happy that
I gave “Fiction” a try for the first
time.
Escape into the Blue with its 21 Chapters captures the reader’s
attention from the first page on. I must say the way Bibiana writes and uses
the English language is in my eyes exceptional. The story itself is interesting
from minute one and I felt like I was watching a movie. That’s how good Bibiana
describes every single “scene”, the characters and the story.
If I wasn’t so busy with my own writing, I would have
finished the book in a short matter of time. Because once you start to read,
you don’t want to put the book down. You want to find out where the story goes
and what happens next to Sophia, the protagonist of the story.
Taking a flight to a new place and starting a completely
new life from zero somewhere new like the Caribbean sounds really tempting. Leaving
everything behind for sun, sandy beaches and palms is like opening a new book
chapter of Life. When you’re young, you’re naïve and fearless. And thanks to immaturity
and lack of life experience you get caught in the moment. Sophia has an idea of
the new place and the people, but realizes soon that nothing is as she hoped
for. Her wishful thinking turns into hard reality.
Sophia has to deal with a few Latin “boys”, who behave
very much differently than Mid-western “boys”. Her new life is not as easy as
she hoped for. The only thing she has as trump on this island is her youth,
which is a blessing and a curse at once. Why? Because it makes it easy for her
to run into the wrong people. Unfortunately she gets into trouble by meeting nasty
and influenced rich people with their yachts on the island, who are selfish and
thoughtless. And of course being surrounded by negative and superficial people
has consequences.
Escape into the Blue is a book filled with passion, longing and desires. A
mix of drama, thriller and crime makes it a fascinating fiction book to escape
from reality and forget your own worries for a while.
I give the book 5 stars on
Goodreads and recommend it especially
to young female readers. Because even though the book is fiction, it still does
educate you about Life, judging people and making decisions. Sophia’s journey
is a giant lesson of real life and real people. It could easily be based on a
true story that tells us not everything that shines is gold and you can’t run away
from your Life and responsibilities. Life catches up with you!
My Q&A interview with Author Bibiana Krall
"My spirit animal is the turtle. Dedication and
patience wins the race." Bibiana Krall
Bibiana you describe yourself as a Fiction
Writer and Professional Dreamer. But why do you write Fiction and
how did you come up with the idea for “Escape in to the Blue”?
Escape into the Blue is about the journey- the search
for a deeper meaning in life after a tragic moment. I grew up in a place with
snow, the fantasy of beaches and water always carried me. I was taught by my
parent’s to seek that meaning and really try to find out the “why.” I have
written drafts of Escape for years and finally just sat down and made it
happen. It was time to write it. I don’t think I was ready before, timing is
important to understand on a creative path like this.
I decided when I was about five I would write fiction.
I began reading the classics in grammar school (ongoing) and they have shaped
me as well. I felt like it was important to live and gain insight first, so I
waited.
When you write a book like “Escape into the Blue” where your protagonist like in all your books is a woman, do you see yourself as “Sophia “ or do you see yourself
only as the neutral storyteller?
I can honestly say there are shades of myself in all
of my work, but Sophia is more like me than any of my other protagonists. I
attempt to be neutral, but it never quite works out that way.
Is Sophia a reflection of Bibiana or Bibiana a reflection of
Sophia?
Sometimes that mirror is a direct reflection of me.
Other times it becomes other women I have known. To take it one step further,
fearless is the woman I would like to be known as. People talk to me and share
dreams, fears and private stories. I simply combine them and a brand new
character is born. My life has been one of adventure and hard lessons. I think
about them often and want to connect this way.
In “Escape in to the Blue” are also interesting male characters,
which you described to me before I read the book as “boys” rather than
“man”, which I totally agree with. Where did you get the inspiration for
these different characters?
The men or “boys” are a sketch of what happens when
there is no value behind an interaction. My female experience has been one of
shock when truth is revealed, or the mask comes off. Sometimes I can hardly
believe it. Perhaps this is an offering to other women to grasp something that
needs to change and to realize they are not alone. I am a Wildheart; this
defines my writing and me.
I hope what I write empowers anyone who reads it and
becomes the hero of their own story.
The way you use the English language and describe every single
happening makes me wonder if you have professional experience in film
script writing. Am I right with my assumption?
Thank you for that! I am flattered. Not yet, but I
will! I am currently studying screenwriting in grad school. My vision is to
write the screenplay and novel for each project to have a complete portfolio.
The major difference is that a screenplay is all about compromise and other
professionals collaborating. It is ambitious, but I enjoy the greater scope it
will offer my projects.
Has anyone ever told you that your books
have the potential to be turned into a movie?
No one has, but I would love to see my writing in a cinematic scope. Of course I want to be on location the entire time. Especially in the Caribbean… I would love to bring my work to life through images and see what happens in the film version. I enjoy making the trailers. They help me focus on the story. I usually do it about midway into the project. It is fun and a perfectly valid excuse to get out of editing for a day.
In your biography on your website www.bibianakrall.com you say that equality for all people is incredibly important to your entire family and that you don’t have any regrets. Every choice you have made has brought you to where you are right now. I love your attitude. So tell me where are you today as a writer? And where do you want to be in a few years from now?
Thank you so much! I am pretty excited about what has
happened in the past year. I chukked my job and paid off my bills so I could
give this a real shot. My books have not done as well as I envisioned, but I am
writing and marketing every day. I managed to write four novels in a year. I
only had the goal of one, so I am pretty happy about that.
My spirit animal is the turtle. Dedication and
patience wins the race. I truly believe that what I offer is different and that
people will want this when they discover what I am doing. I look forward to
being called an “overnight success.” There is no such thing by the way…. I am
willing to put the time in and believe in what I am doing. I get advice
constantly about how I can be more mainstream, but I am different and will
remain true to who I am.
In a few years, I plan on graduating with a 4.0 and my
M.F.A. and continuing to write daily. I will keep reaching out and meeting
people with the hopes of friendship and getting my projects some traction. I
would like to see at least one of my books hold a place on the NY Times
bestseller list and receive offers about film options. I am open to ideas and
avenues. I have kicked around the idea
of teaching Creative Writing at the Island School on Eleuthera as well. I like
what they are doing and influencing the next generation of writer’s would be an
enormous honor.
Anyone can use words. That’s what we call speaking. Everyone does
it every day. But passionate writers like you give words shape, color,
beauty and style. When I read your book, I felt it and I lived it. You use
the words as colors and the paper as a canvas. That’s a gift. I was
wondering if English or French is your first language. And if you express
yourself the same way in both languages?
Thank you! I do my best to bring that forth every day. English is my first language; I was born and raised in
the Midwest. French has always been my language of creative passion. I learned
it in ballet years ago. It is the preferred language of ballet and it became
part of my process. French will always be the most emotive part of “self.” It
once was part of a different dream and remains in the romantic part of my Soul.
What are you working on right now? What can your readers expect
from your next book? I am working on three projects right now. I like to
have at least two projects going, so I am never bored.
THE BOATHOUSE, (suspense)
THE PARADISE GARDEN (suspense) a continuation of
Escape into the Blue
FLOR Y FUEGO A screenplay (a romantic thriller.) I wrote the short story first and want to
explore if I am ready to cross-train. They can expect intrigue, complex
characters and a great storyline.
And last but not least do you believe in Love @ first sight? And
what is your definition of Love in one sentence? What is your definition
of Love in three words?
First sight no. First meeting of minds, oh yes! The
phusical matters because you need to be compatible, but what really draws me is
what is inside. It took awhile to figure this out. I require my partner to be
brave, respectful and to expect as much from me as I do from him. It is a
complete partnership, I am finally lucky in love.
Love in one sentence- Love is the finite thread that
connects us to the universe.
Love in three words- respect, devotion and
forgiveness. ( In that order.)
Many thanks for your friendship Lilly. I enjoyed this
interview and wish you all the best with your own projects. It means everything
to have your support and I am grateful. Bibiana
Lily: My pleasure Bibiana. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions and good luck with all your book titles! You're amazing. Keep up the good work!
Lily: My pleasure Bibiana. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions and good luck with all your book titles! You're amazing. Keep up the good work!
Bibiana Krall Books on Amazon
 |
| New Book title Escape into the BLUE |
 |
| French Edition |
